How To Create Blog Post Graphics

When first starting a blog, unless you have done it before, it is likely that your brand and theme are going to change over time. If you are new to blogging you are probably trying to work out the best way to create a consistent theme across your blog. Having a theme makes your blog look professional and well put together. You may have purchased a theme for your blog but the design process shouldn’t end there.

To put it simply, here are some elements that you should create for your blog:

Header/Logo

Profile Picture

Favicon

Post Signature

These elements will be consistent throughout your blog, they will not change unless you decide to change your theme. On the other hand, here are some graphics you should be making for your blog, that will change for each post. If you can, the images should follow a theme, this will improve the branding across your blog:

Blog post header

Pinterest post graphic

Infographic

Flat Lay / Swatch Images

You don’t have to use all of the graphic ideas above in every post, make it relevant to your topic. For example, for the majority of my posts I only use a header which is also Pinterest friendly. If you are reviewing anything or posting a haul, I would recommend using a header and including swatch images. I really hate when I see a review and no swatch images of the product. But I will leave that to your discretion. Not only will these graphics serve a purpose to your brand, but they should help you drive traffic to your blog. For example, a really nice pinterest image linking to your blog will help you gain exposure. Your graphics should make people want to click through to your blog and read your content.

GIMP – This is a software that you download to your computer and is very similar to Photoshop, the best part being that its free. If you are familiar with Photoshop, some of the functions are different and can take a little getting used to. But in general it is very easy to use and there are loads of tutorials online.

This image was created in GIMP. I used it as a blog signature when I had a headed that matched that design.

Canva – This is my most used graphic design website. It is extremely versatile and helpful in creating all different types of graphics. You start by choosing a specific size, they give you the option to use a template or your own dimensions. Then you are able to create your own graphic using images, text, shapes and illustrations. I love how easy Canva makes it for you to line up the different images in the design. GIMP does not make it this easy. You also have the option to use templates, if you don’t want to create your own design. Even when I am designing something in Canva, I always use GIMP’s colour picker feature to get an exact match on colours in my design, from an image. Most features you can use for free, but there is an advanced paid version.

I created this blog post header using Canva. For my headers I either use this shape graphic or a Pinterest friendly one.

Befunky – I love using this website to edit my pictures and add watermarks to them. I used to also use it for creating my blog graphics but I much prefer to use Canva. Mainly, I now just use this for editing flat lays and swatches. It is also great if you want to create an image collage.

This image was edited using Befunky. The website has alot of different options to edit the image. I then use the text option to add a watermark to my image.

My main advice is to have fun with creating your graphics and understand that your methods will evolve over time. We all want our blog to look great from the get-go, but you definitely have to work at graphic design. Once you have been creating designs for a little while you will work out what you like best for your blog and you will begin to see a consistent theme forming. Also, I recommend using stock images if you don’t take alot of images yourself. I have listed some greats sites below that you can download images from and use for free. It does take quite a bit of searching to find appropriate images, but there are some really good ones available for free. If you are using someone’s image that isn’t free, make sure to cite them, with their permission, or ensure you have purchased the licence to use it on your blog.

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Hayley | General Manager | Kent, UK.
Passionate about beauty, travel, mindset & entrepreneurship. I am determined to create the life of my dreams. My goal is to work for myself and be able to help others change their lives too.

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